U.S. patent number 9,108,761 [Application Number 13/948,644] was granted by the patent office on 2015-08-18 for carton with reclosable fitment.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Graphic Packaging International, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Graphic Packaging International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kelly R. Fitzwater, Norman L. Jesch, Duane R. Mode, Scott Thomas Strand, Sharon Weaver.
United States Patent |
9,108,761 |
Fitzwater , et al. |
August 18, 2015 |
Carton with reclosable fitment
Abstract
A carton includes a chamfered corner, and a dispenser defined in
the chamfered corner. A fitment may be mounted to the chamfered
corner of the carton, for use in dispensing contents from the
interior of the carton by way of the dispenser. The fitment may
comprise a base with a rearward receptacle that is in receipt of
the chamfered corner of the carton. A passageway extends through
the base, from the receptacle to a front opening of the passageway,
and the contents from the interior of the carton may be dispensed
outwardly through the front opening of the fitment. The fitment may
include one or more inwardly protruding mounting members that may
engage behind one or more edges of the carton for restricting the
fitment from being pulled off of the chamfered corner of the
carton.
Inventors: |
Fitzwater; Kelly R. (Lakewood,
CO), Strand; Scott Thomas (Lake Elmo, MN), Mode; Duane
R. (Bloomington, MN), Weaver; Sharon (Chicago, IL),
Jesch; Norman L. (Golden, CO) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Graphic Packaging International, Inc. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
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Assignee: |
Graphic Packaging International,
Inc. (Atlanta, GA)
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Family
ID: |
46581371 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/948,644 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20130306717 A1 |
Nov 21, 2013 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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PCT/US2012/022458 |
Jan 25, 2012 |
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61461996 |
Jan 26, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
5/72 (20130101); B65D 5/725 (20130101); B65D
5/746 (20130101); B65D 5/705 (20130101); B65D
5/563 (20130101); B31B 50/78 (20170801); B65D
5/703 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
5/72 (20060101); B65D 5/56 (20060101); B31B
1/78 (20060101); B65D 5/74 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;229/125.04,125.01,125.14,131.1,125.42,214 ;493/184,87
;53/133.2 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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Other References
International Search Report for corresponding International
Application No. PCT/US2012/022458 mailed Aug. 7, 2012. cited by
applicant .
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority for
corresponnding International Application No. PCT/US2012/022458
mailed Aug. 7, 2012. cited by applicant .
International Search Report and Written Opinion for
PCT/US2011/061148 dated May 7, 2012. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Demeree; Christopher
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Womble Carlyle Sandridge &
Rice, LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation application of PCT Application
No. PCT/US2012/022458, filed Jan. 25, 2012, which PCT application
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/461,996,
filed Jan. 26, 2011. The entire disclosures of PCT Application No.
PCT/US2012/022458 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/461,996
are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set
forth herein in their entireties.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A carton for containing and dispensing contents, the carton
comprising: a plurality of panels respectively foldably connected
to one another, the plurality of panels extending around an
interior of the carton, and the plurality of panels comprising
opposite first and second major side panels, opposite first and
second minor side panels that are each smaller than the first and
second major side panels, a bottom panel at least partially closing
a bottom end of the carton, a top panel at least partially closing
a top end of the carton, and an oblique panel at least partially
defining an outer chamfered corner of the carton, so that the
chamfered corner comprises the oblique panel, wherein the oblique
panel extends between the first and second major side panels, the
oblique panel extends between the top panel and the first minor
side panel, and the oblique panel extends obliquely relative to
each of the first and second major side panels, the first and
second minor side panels, and the top and bottom panels, the
chamfered corner further comprises at least one flap foldably
connected to the oblique panel and in face-to-face contact with the
outer surface of one of the first major side panel, the second
major side panel, and the top panel; and a dispenser defined in the
chamfered corner, the dispenser being for use in dispensing
contents from the interior of the carton.
2. The carton according to claim 1, wherein: the oblique panel
comprises opposite upper and lower edges, and opposite first and
second side edges; the lower edge of the oblique panel is adjacent
to and extends along an upper edge of the first minor side panel;
the upper edge of the oblique panel is adjacent to and extends
along an edge of the top panel; a first side edge of the oblique
panel is adjacent to and extends along an oblique edge of the first
major side panel; and a second side edge of the oblique panel is
adjacent to and extends along an oblique edge of the second major
side panel.
3. The carton according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser comprises
a hole, and the hole extends through the oblique panel.
4. The carton according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser comprises
a disruption in the chamfered corner, and the disruption
circumscribes a central portion of the oblique panel.
5. The carton according to claim 4, wherein the disruption
comprises a tear line that is for being torn for removing at least
the central portion of the oblique panel from the chamfered corner,
to at least further define a dispenser hole in the chamfered
corner.
6. The carton according to claim 4, wherein the disruption
comprises a tear line defined in the oblique panel.
7. The carton according to claim 1, wherein: a lower edge of the
oblique panel is connected by a fold line to an upper edge of the
first minor side panel; the oblique panel is connected to the top
panel; and the oblique panel is connected to each of the first and
second major side panels.
8. The carton according to claim 7, wherein the at least one flap
of the chamfered corner comprises: a first flap connected by a fold
line to an upper edge of the oblique panel, the first flap being
mounted to the top panel; a second flap connecting the oblique
panel to the first major side panel; and a third flap connecting
the oblique panel to the second major side panel.
9. The carton according to claim 7, wherein the chamfered corner
further comprises: a flap connected by a fold line to an upper edge
of the oblique panel, the first flap being mounted to the top
panel; a pleat connected between a first side edge of the oblique
panel and an oblique edge of the first major side panel; and a
pleat connected between a second side edge of the oblique panel and
an oblique edge of the second major side panel.
10. The carton according to claim 7, wherein the at least one flap
of the chamfered corner comprises: a first flap connected by a fold
line to an upper edge of the oblique panel, the first flap being
mounted to the top panel; a second flap connected by a fold line to
a first side edge of the oblique panel, the second flap being
mounted to the first major side panel; and a third flap connected
by a fold line to a second side edge of the oblique panel, the
third flap being mounted to the second major side panel.
11. The carton according to claim 10, comprising at least one
configuration selected from the group consisting of: the first flap
being mounted to an outer surface of the top panel; the second flap
being mounted to an outer surface of the first major side panel;
and the third flap being mounted to an outer surface of the second
major side panel.
12. The carton according to claim 10, wherein: the second flap is
mounted to an outer surface of the first major side panel; and the
third flap is mounted to an outer surface of the second major side
panel.
13. The carton according to claim 1, in combination with a fitment,
wherein the fitment is mounted to the chamfered corner of the
carton, the fitment is for use in dispensing contents from the
interior of the carton by way of the dispenser, and the fitment
comprises: a base comprising a rearward receptacle that is in
receipt of the chamfered corner of the carton, so that the
chamfered corner extends into the rearward receptacle, and a
passageway extending through the base from the receptacle to a
front opening of the passageway, and a lid for use in closing and
opening the front opening to the passageway; and a connector
movably connecting the lid to the base.
14. A blank for forming a carton for containing a product, the
blank comprising: a minor panel comprising first and second edges
that are opposite from one another, and third and fourth edges that
are opposite from one another, the third and fourth edges extending
crosswise to the first and second edges; a dispenser panel
connected to the third edge of the minor panel by a fold line;
first and second major side panels respectively foldably connected
to the first and second edges of the minor panel, each of the first
and second major side panels being larger than the minor panel,
each of the first and second major side panels comprising an
oblique edge, the oblique edges extending outwardly from proximate
respective ends of the fold line, and the oblique edges extending
divergently with respect to one another in an outward direction
away from the fold line; a flap foldably connected to the dispenser
panel for being positioned in face-to-face contact with the outer
surface of one of the first major side panel and the second major
side panel when the carton is formed from the blank; and the
dispenser panel being positioned between the oblique edges
respectively of the first and second major panels.
15. The blank according to claim 14, further comprising: end flaps
respectively foldably connected to opposite end edges of the first
major panel; end flaps respectively foldably connected to opposite
end edges of the second major panel; and a second minor panel
connected to a side edge of the first major panel or a side edge of
the second major panel.
16. The blank according to claim 14, wherein the dispenser panel
comprises a tear line, the tear line is adjacent a central portion
of the dispenser panel, and the tear line is for being torn for
removing at least the central portion of the dispenser panel to at
least further define a dispenser hole in the dispenser panel.
17. The blank according to claim 14, further comprising: a flap
foldably connected to the oblique edge of the first major panel;
and a flap foldably connected to the oblique edge of the second
major panel.
18. The blank according to claim 14, wherein: a first edge of the
dispenser panel is foldably connected to the third edge of the
minor panel; the dispenser panel comprises a second edge that is
opposite the first edge of the dispenser panel; and the blank
further comprises a flap foldably connected to the second edge of
the dispenser panel.
19. The blank according to claim 18, wherein the dispenser panel
comprises opposite third and fourth edges that extend crosswise
with respect to the first and second edges of the dispenser panel,
and the blank further comprises: a flap foldably connected to the
third edge of the dispenser panel; and a flap foldably connected to
the fourth edge of the dispenser panel.
20. The blank according to claim 18, wherein the dispenser panel
comprises opposite third and fourth edges that extend crosswise
with respect to the first and second edges of the dispenser panel,
and the blank further comprises: a plurality of pleat panels
connected between the third edge of the dispenser panel and the
oblique edge of the first major panel; and a plurality of pleat
panels connected between the fourth edge of the dispenser panel and
the oblique edge of the second major panel.
21. A method of at least erecting a carton having a chamfered
corner, the method comprising: partially erecting the carton from a
blank, so that opposite first and second major side panels
respectively extend from opposite edges a minor side panel, the
blank comprises a minor panel comprising first and second edges
that are opposite from one another, and third and fourth edges that
are opposite from one another, the third and fourth edges extending
crosswise to the first and second edges, a dispenser panel
connected to the third edge of the minor panel by a fold line, and
a flap foldably connected to the dispenser panel; folding the
dispenser panel inwardly relative to the minor side panel, toward
each of oblique edges of the first and second major side panels, so
that the dispenser panel extends obliquely and at least partially
defines the chamfered corner of the carton; and connecting the
dispenser panel to each of the first and second major side panels,
the flap being positioned in face-to-face contact with the outer
surface of one of the first major side panel and the second major
side panel.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: the dispenser panel
comprises opposite edges, and the flap comprises a first flap and a
second flap respectively foldably connected to the opposite edges
of the dispenser panel; and the connecting of the dispenser panel
to each of the first and second major side panels comprises
connecting the first flap to the outer surface of the first major
side panel, and connecting the second flap to the outer surface of
the second major side panel.
23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising mounting a
fitment to the chamfered corner of the carton, comprising causing
relative movement between the carton and the fitment so that the
chamfered corner is received in a rearward receptacle of the
fitment, and opposite inwardly protruding mounting members of the
fitment respectively engage behind edges of the first flap and
second flap for restricting the fitment from being pulled off of
the chamfered corner of the carton.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present disclosure generally relates to a carton for containing
and dispensing contents, such a carton that may have a reclosable
fitment, and a reclosable fitment for a carton.
SUMMARY
One aspect of this disclosure is the provision of a carton for
containing and dispensing contents, and a fitment may optionally be
mounted to an outer chamfered corner of the carton for being opened
and closed to respectively provide and restrict access to the
contents of the carton. The fitment may be molded of polymer
material.
In one aspect of this disclosure, the carton comprises a plurality
of panels respectively foldably connected to one another, and the
plurality of panels extends around an interior of the carton. The
plurality of panels may include opposite first and second major
side panels, opposite first and second minor side panels that are
each smaller than the first and second major side panels, a bottom
panel at least partially closing a bottom end of the carton, a top
panel at least partially closing a top end of the carton, and an
oblique panel at least partially defining the chamfered corner of
the carton. The oblique panel may extend between the first and
second major side panels, the oblique panel may extend between the
top panel and the first minor side panel, and the oblique panel may
extend obliquely relative to each of the first and second major
side panels, the first and second minor side panels, and the top
and bottom panels. A dispenser (e.g., a hole) may be defined in the
chamfered corner (e.g., in the oblique panel), for use in
dispensing contents from the interior of the carton. When the
carton is in combination with the fitment, the fitment may be
mounted to the chamfered corner of the carton so that the fitment
is for use in dispensing contents from the interior of the carton
by way of the dispenser.
The carton may be erected from a blank in which a respective one of
the minor panels has first and second edges that are opposite from
one another, and third and fourth edges that are opposite from one
another, wherein the third and fourth edges extend crosswise to the
first and second edges. The oblique panel of the carton may be
referred as a dispenser panel in the blank, and the dispenser panel
is connected to the third edge of the respective minor panel by a
fold line. The first and second major panels are respectively
foldably connected to the first and second edges of the respective
minor panel. Each of the first and second major side panels
comprises an oblique edge, wherein the oblique edges extend
outwardly from proximate respective ends of the fold line, and the
oblique edges extending divergently with respect to one another in
an outward direction away from the fold line. The dispenser panel
is positioned between the oblique edges.
The carton may be partially erected from the blank, so that the
opposite first and second major side panels are substantially
parallel to one another and respectively extend from opposite edges
of the minor side panels. The dispenser panel may be folded
inwardly relative to the respective minor side panel, toward the
oblique edges of the major side panels, so that the dispenser panel
extends obliquely and at least partially defines the chamfered
corner of the carton. As examples, the dispenser panel may be
attached to outer surfaces of the major side panels by way of
mounting flaps or mounting pleats foldably connected to the
opposite edges of the dispenser panel, or in any other suitable
manner.
According to one aspect of this disclosure, a base of the fitment
may comprise a plurality of walls defining a rearwardly open
receptacle for receiving the chamfered corner of the carton. The
plurality of walls may extend around a passageway, and the
passageway may extend through the base from the receptacle to a
front opening of the passageway. A lid for opening and closing the
front opening to the passageway may be removably connected to the
base by a connector, such as a flexible hinge.
The fitment may be mounted to the chamfered corner of the carton,
such as by causing relative movement between the carton and the
fitment so that the chamfered corner is received in the rearward
receptacle of the fitment. The fitment may optionally include one
or more inwardly protruding mounting members that may engage in one
or more holes and/or behind one or more edges of the carton. More
specifically, the mounting member(s) may engage behind one or more
panels (e.g., the mounting flaps or mounting pleats) of the carton
for restricting the fitment from being pulled off of the chamfered
corner of the carton.
The foregoing presents a simplified summary of some aspects of this
disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding. The foregoing
summary is not extensive and is not intended to identify key or
critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the
invention. The purpose of the foregoing summary is to present some
concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to
the more detailed description that is presented later. For example,
other aspects will become apparent from the following.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having described some aspects of this disclosure in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which
illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, are not
necessarily drawn to scale and may be schematic, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank with a liner mounted thereto, in
accordance with a first embodiment of this disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton erected from the blank of
FIG. 1, in accordance with the first embodiment.
FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of fitment for being mounted to
the carton of FIG. 2, wherein the fitment is in an open
configuration, in accordance with the first embodiment.
FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the fitment of FIG. 3A in
the open configuration.
FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the fitment of FIG. 3A in the open
configuration.
FIG. 3D is a right elevation view of the fitment of FIG. 3A in the
open configuration, wherein a left elevation view of the fitment of
FIG. 3A in the open configuration is a mirror image of FIG. 3D.
FIG. 3E is a rear elevation view of the fitment of FIG. 3A in the
open configuration.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fitment of FIGS. 3A-3E mounted
to the carton of FIG. 2, wherein the fitment is in a closed
configuration, in accordance with the first embodiment.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 with a
fitment of a second embodiment mounted thereto, wherein the fitment
is in an open configuration.
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the carton and fitment of FIG. 5B,
wherein the fitment is in a closed configuration, in accordance
with the second embodiment of this disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a blank with a liner mounted thereto, in
accordance with a third embodiment of this disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a carton erected from the blank of
FIG. 6, in accordance with the third embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a blank, in accordance with a fourth
embodiment of this disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank, in accordance with a fifth
embodiment of this disclosure.
FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate a sequence for closing an upper end of a
carton erected from the blank of FIG. 9, in accordance with the
fifth embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a blank with a liner mounted thereto, in
accordance with a sixth embodiment of this disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a plan view of a blank, in accordance with a seventh
embodiment of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, in which like
numerals may refer to like parts throughout the several views,
exemplary embodiments are described in the following.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an interior side of a blank 3 that is for
being erected into a carton 5 (FIG. 2) that is for having a
openable and reclosable fitment 200 (FIGS. 3A-4) mounted thereto,
in accordance with a first embodiment of this disclosure. As shown
in FIG. 1, an expansive sheet of polymer film (e.g., polyethylene),
or the like, which may be referred to as a liner 97, is adhered to
and covering a substantial portion of the interior side of the
blank 3. In FIG. 1, the liner 97 is illustrated as being clear, so
that the blank 3 is seen through the liner 97. The liner 97 is for
lining (e.g., forming a bag within) the interior of the carton 5
erected from the blank 3, so that the liner may enhance the barrier
protection provided by the carton, as will be discussed in greater
detail below. The liner 97 is optional and may be omitted, and a
variety of different liners are within the scope of this
disclosure.
The blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The
blank 3 has a first major side panel 10 foldably connected to a
first minor side panel 30 at a first lateral fold line 11, a second
major side panel 50 foldably connected to the first minor side
panel 30 at a second lateral fold line 31, and a second minor side
panel 70 foldably connected to the second major side panel 50 at a
third lateral fold line 51. An attachment flap 90 is foldably
connected to the second minor side panel 70 at a fourth lateral
fold line 91, although the attachment flap may be foldably attached
to the first major side panel 10, or at any other suitable
location.
The first major side panel 10 is foldably connected to a top flap
16 and a bottom flap 18. The first minor side panel 30 is foldably
connected to a mount assembly 300 and a bottom flap 38. The second
major side panel 50 is foldably connected to a top flap 56 and a
bottom flap 58. The second minor side panel 70 is foldably
connected to a top flap 76 and a bottom flap 78. The top flaps 16,
56, 76 extend along a first or top marginal area of the blank 3.
Top flap 16 is foldably connected to first major side panel 10 at a
first longitudinally extending fold line 14. The mount assembly 300
is foldably connected to first minor side panel 30 at a second
longitudinally extending fold line 33a. Top flap 56 is foldably
connected to second major side panel 50, and top end flap 76 is
foldably connected to second minor side panel 70, at a third
longitudinally extending fold line 54. The bottom flaps 18, 38, 58,
78 extend along a second or bottom marginal area of the blank 3,
and may be foldably connected along a fourth longitudinally
extending fold line 64.
The first, second, third and fourth longitudinal fold lines 14,
33a, 54, 64 may be, for example, generally straight lines of
disruption. Alternatively, the fold lines 14, 33a, 54, 64 may be
offset at one or more locations to account for, for example, blank
thickness or other factors. When the carton 5 (FIG. 2) is erected
and closed, the top flaps 16, 56, 76 at least partially close a top
of the carton 5, and the bottom flaps 18, 38, 58, 78 at least
partially close a bottom of the carton 5, as will be discussed in
greater detail below.
The first major side panel 10 has an oblique edge 93 and the second
major side panel 50 has an oblique edge 95. The oblique edge 93
extends between the fold lines 14, 33a. The oblique edge 95 extends
between the fold lines 33a, 54. The upper regions of the oblique
edges 93, 95 are immediately adjacent wide holes through the blank
3, whereas the lower regions of the oblique edges 93, 95 are merely
separated from the mount assembly 300 by respective slits or other
suitable cuts.
As will be discussed in greater detail below, when the blank 3 is
erected into the carton 5 (FIG. 2), the mount assembly 300 forms a
mount/obliquely configured, upper corner (e.g., a chamfered corner)
of the carton to which the reclosable fitment 200 (FIGS. 3A-4) may
be mounted. The mount assembly 300 has a central access or
dispenser panel 36, side mounting flaps 81, 88 and a top mounting
flap 85 that are respectively foldably connected to the dispenser
panel 36 at fold lines 33b, 33c, 87. The side and top mounting
flaps 81, 85, 88 may be characterized as being wings, or wing-like
flaps. The dispenser panel 36 has a substantially rectangular
dispenser opening 83 that extends through the dispenser panel. The
dispenser opening 83 may be formed, for example, by die cutting,
and removing at least a portion of the resulting cut out portion of
the blank 3 from the reminder of the blank. The dispenser opening
83 may be formed in any other suitable manner and may define a
variety of different shapes. As one alternative example, the
dispenser opening 83 may be defined by a tear line or other
suitable line(s) of disruption that defines both the periphery of
the dispenser opening 83 and a periphery of a tear-away portion of
the blank that is torn away to open the dispenser opening 83.
Referring to FIG. 1, the first minor side panel 30 has first and
second edges that are opposite from one another, and third and
fourth edges that are opposite from one another, wherein the third
and fourth edges extend crosswise to the first and second edges.
The dispenser panel 36 is connected to the third edge of the first
minor side panel 30 by the second longitudinally extending fold
line 33a. The major side panels 10, 50 are respectively foldably
connected to the first and second edges of the first minor side
panel 30 by the first and second lateral fold lines 11, 31. Each of
the major side panels 10, 50 is larger than each of the minor side
panels 30, 70. The oblique edges 93, 95 of the major side panels
10, 50 extend outwardly from proximate respective ends of the
second longitudinally extending fold line 33a, and the oblique
edges 93, 95 extend divergently with respect to one another in an
outward direction away from the second longitudinally extending
fold line 33a. The dispenser panel 36 is positioned between the
oblique edges 93, 95.
In accordance with the first embodiment, when the liner 97 is
included, it may be laminated or otherwise attached to the mount
assembly 300, such as by way of adhesive material that is in close
proximity to, and circumscribes, the dispenser opening 83, so that
the dispenser opening 83 is fully closed by the liner 97. As will
be discussed in greater detail below, after the carton 5 (FIG. 2)
is erected from the blank 3, one acceptable method of obtaining
access to the contents within the carton 5 includes manually
tearing the portion of the liner 97 that covers the dispenser
opening 83 so as to open the dispenser opening. The portion of the
liner 97 that covers the dispenser opening 83 may serve as a
"tamper evident seal".
Optionally, the liner 97 and/or blank 3 includes feature(s) that
seek to aid in the manual opening of the dispenser opening 83. For
example, the liner 97 may include a line of weakening 89 (e.g.,
tear line) that is proximate to and shaped substantially similarly
to the periphery of the dispenser opening 83. The line of weakening
89 may be in the form of kiss cut(s) and/or a series of
perforations (e.g., micro-perforations) that typically do not
extend through the entire thickness of the liner 97, so that the
line of weakening does not (e.g., substantially does not) define
open passageways that extend through the entire thickness of the
liner 97. Accordingly and in accordance with the first embodiment,
prior to tearing along the line of weakening 89, the line of
weakening 89 does not (substantially does not) degrade the barrier
function provided by the liner 97. The line of weakening 89 may be
formed by laser scoring, die cutting, heat stamping, or any other
suitable method.
In accordance with the first embodiment, in addition to the
dispenser opening 83 being closed by the predetermined portion of
the liner 97 that extends across the dispenser opening 83, at least
some of the portion of the liner 97 that that extends across the
dispenser opening 83 may optionally have a reinforcement 68 mounted
thereto. For example, the reinforcement 68 may be a portion of the
blank 3 that is not removed from the dispenser opening 83 when the
dispenser opening is formed. More specifically and in accordance
with the first embodiment, the reinforcement 68 is a central
portion of the dispenser panel 36. In this regard, the
reinforcement 68 may be connected to and/or separated from a
remaining portion of the dispenser panel 36 by a disruption, or
more particularly a line of disruption 69, such as a tear line
and/or a slit. As shown in FIG. 1, the line of disruption 69 has a
first leg that extends along the longitudinal axis L1, and a second
leg that extends from an end of the first leg along the lateral
axis L2. As also shown in FIG. 1, an oblique edge of the
reinforcement 68 extends between the opposite ends of the legs, and
an arcuate line of disruption 67 (e.g., a tear line and/or slit)
may have opposite ends that extend to the oblique edge, such as for
defining a finger hold, or the like, that may be punched, stripped
or struck from the reinforcement. The reinforcement 68 may be
laminated and/or attached by adhesive material, or attached in any
other suitable manner, to the portion of the liner 97 that extends
across the dispenser opening 83.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, the reinforcement 68 obstructs only a portion of
the dispenser opening 83 so that the line of disruption 69 is part
of a disruption that circumscribes the reinforcement. Whereas the
reinforcement 68 is shown as obstructing only a portion of the
dispenser opening 83 in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reinforcement may be
omitted or the reinforcement may obstruct any other suitable amount
of the dispenser opening, such as the entirety of the dispenser
opening, such that the line of disruption 69 circumscribes the
reinforcement 68.
As mentioned previously, the liner 97 may be omitted. As another
alternative, only a portion of the liner 97 may be included, such
as that portion that is mounted to and associated with the mount
assembly 300, and that portion of the liner may be referred to as a
patch. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that it
is well known to mount a liner and/or patch to a carton blank.
Accordingly, the liner 97 may be constructed of any suitable
material, and may be mounted to the blank 3 in any suitable manner.
For example, the liner 97 or patch may be mounted to the blank 3
through the use of a "window machine" (e.g., a machine for mounting
patches, windows (e.g., clear polymer films), or the like, to
carton blanks). This mounting may be carried out through
laminating, the use of adhesive material and/or in any other
suitable manner.
When the liner 97 is included, the fixed connections (e.g.,
adhesive material) between the blank 3 and the liner 97 are
typically arranged in a manner that allows the blank 3 to be
erected into the carton 5 (FIG. 4) and the liner 97 to be formed
into a bag while the liner and the blank remain connected to one
another. For example, typically there are no (e.g., substantially
no) fixed connections/adhesive material between at least the
marginal areas of the liner 97 and the blank 3, so that the liner
97 does not unduly interfere with the erection of the carton 5 and
neither the blank 3 nor the carton 5 unduly interferes with the
forming of the liner 97 into the bag that is ultimately within the
interior of the carton. Alternatively, the bag may be mounted into
the carton 5 after it is at least partially erected.
One example of a method of forming the carton 5 (FIG. 2), with the
bag therein, from the blank 3 and liner 97 is described in the
following, in accordance with the first embodiment. At least the
liner 97 is folded along the lateral axis L2, and the opposite
edges of the liner 97 that extend along the lateral axis L2 are
joined to one another to form a suitable seal, such as a pinch
seal, fin seal, foldover seal and/or any other suitable seal, so
that the liner is in the form of a tube with unsealed opposite
ends. Then, the upper end of the tubular liner 97 (i.e., the end
adjacent the mount assembly 300) may be sealed closed with a pinch
seal, fin seal, foldover seal and/or any other suitable seal. The
blank 3 may, for example, be folded about the transverse lines of
disruption 31, 91 so that the exterior side of the attachment flap
90 contacts the interior side of the first major side panel 10. The
first major side panel 10 can be attached to the attachment flap 90
by, for example, adhesive material and/or any other suitable
mechanism. In this configuration, the plurality of panels 10, 30,
50, 70 extends around an interior of the carton 5. The blank 3 may
then be opened to have a generally tubular shape by folding about
fold lines 11, 31, 51, 91.
The top of the carton 5 may be closed by inwardly folding the top
flap 76, and then inwardly folding the top flaps 16, 56, so that
these top flaps at least partially overlap one another. Adhesive
material, or any other suitable fastening mechanism, may be applied
to secure the top flaps 16, 56, 76 in their closed configuration.
As at least partially shown in FIG. 2, the top flaps 16, 56, 76
close a rear portion 106 of the top of the carton 5. One or more of
the inwardly folded top flaps 16, 56, 76 may be characterized as
forming a top panel or top end panel of the carton 5, and the top
end panel of the carton may be constructed in any suitable manner.
The top end panel closes the top end of the carton 5, or more
generally the top end panel at least partially closes the top end
of the carton. That is, even if the top end panel does not fully
close the top end of the carton 5, the liner 97, when present, may
fully enclose the contents of the carton.
The mount assembly 300 is erected to close a front portion 108 of
the top of the carton 5. The mount assembly 300 is folded inwardly
about fold line 33a so that the dispenser panel 36 abuts each of
the oblique edges 93, 95 of the first and second major side panels
10, 50, and the front edges of the top flaps 16, 56 (e.g., the
front edge of the top end panel of the carton 5). In this
configuration, the dispenser panel 36 extends obliquely (e.g., the
dispenser panel is an oblique panel) and the dispenser panel at
least partially defines the chamfered corner of the carton 5. The
dispenser panel 36 is typically connected to one or more of the
major side panels 10, 50 and the top end panel of the carton 5 to
retain the dispenser panel in its oblique configuration. More
specifically, the mount assembly 300 is further erected by folding
the mounting flaps 81, 85, 88 inwardly relative to the dispenser
panel 36. As partially shown in FIG. 2 and also referring to FIG.
1, the side mounting flaps 81, 88 extend downwardly below the
oblique edges 93, 95, and the top mounting flap 85 extends
rearwardly along the top flaps 16, 56 when the mount assembly 300
is fully erected and closing the upper front portion 108 of the
carton 5. The inwardly facing surfaces of the mounting flaps 81,
85, 88 are typically fixedly connected to the outwardly facing
surfaces of the first and second major side panels 10, 50 and the
outermost one of the top flaps 16, 56 with adhesive material or any
other suitable mechanism. In accordance with the first embodiment,
the erected mount assembly 300 defines an oblique, upper, chamfered
corner of the carton 5, although differently configured mount
assemblies and/or upper corners of the carton are within the scope
of this disclosure. The dispenser panel 36, mounting flaps 81, 85,
88, oblique edges 93, 95, forward edges of the top flaps 16, 56;
and adjacent portions of the top flaps, major side panels 10, 50
and first minor side panel 30 may be characterized as defining the
chamfered corner of the carton 5, although the chamfered corner may
be configured differently. For example, one or more of the mounting
flaps 81, 85, 88 may be configured differently, such as by being
hingedly connected to a different panel and/or by being in the form
of a pleat, or the like, as will be discussed in greater detail
below.
At this point in the assembly process, both the lower end of the
carton 5 and the lower end of the bag formed from the liner 97 are
open. Product(s) such as food products (not shown) or any other
suitable contents may be placed into the bag formed from the liner
97 by way of its open end. Then, the open end of the bag formed
from the liner 97 may be sealed closed, such as by forming a pinch
seal, fin seal, foldover seal and/or any other suitable seal in
that end of the bag. The seals by which the liner 97 is formed into
the bag/closed bag may be formed in any suitable manner. For
example, the seals may be formed through the use of adhesive
material (e.g., glue and/or a hot melt or sonically activatable
adhesive material).
The bottom of the carton 5 can be closed by folding the bottom
flaps 38, 78 inwardly, followed by folding the bottom flaps 18, 58
inwardly, so that the bottom flaps at least partially overlap one
another. Adhesive material, or any other suitable fastening
mechanism, may be applied to secure the bottom flaps 18, 38, 58, 78
in their closed configuration. One or more of the inwardly folded
bottom flaps 18, 38, 58, 78 may be characterized as forming a
bottom panel or bottom end panel of the carton 5, and the bottom
end panel of the carton may be constructed in any suitable manner.
The bottom end panel closes the bottom end of the carton 5, or more
generally the bottom end panel at least partially closes the bottom
end of the carton. That is, even if the bottom end panel does not
fully close the bottom end of the carton 5, the liner 97, when
present, may fully enclose the contents of the carton.
Alternatively, the bottom end of the liner 97 and carton 5 may be
closed first, following by filling the bag formed from the liner at
its open upper end, and then closing the upper end of the bag and
the carton.
FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate the opened, reclosable fitment 200 that is
for being mounted to the erected mount assembly 300 of the carton 5
(FIG. 2). In accordance with the first embodiment, the fitment 200
is molded from polymeric material (e.g., polypropylene) and all of
the features of the fitment are formed integrally with one another,
although the fitment may be formed in any suitable manner from any
suitable material. Referring primarily to FIG. 3A, the fitment 200
includes a frame or base 202, a flexible hinge 208 and a lid 210.
The base 202 is connected to the lid 210 by the hinge 208. The base
202 includes a lower front wall 204, an upper wall 206, an opening
213, and a pair of side walls 203, 205.
The base 202 of the fitment 200 may optionally include side flanges
223, 227 extending upwardly from oblique edges of the side walls
203, 205, respectively. The hinge 208 is flexible for allowing the
lid 210 to be moved relative to the opening 213 between an open
configuration, which is shown in FIGS. 3A-3E, and a closed
configuration, in which the lid closes the opening. The lid 210
optionally includes a tab 216 located at an edge of the lid 210,
and the tab may be manually grasped or used as a finger hold for
aiding a user in opening and closing the lid. In accordance with
the first embodiment, a majority of the fitment 200 has a wall
thickness of about 0.05 inches, although any suitable thickness may
be utilized.
The fitment 200 typically includes a releasable locking mechanism
for releasably securing the lid 210 in the closed configuration. In
accordance with the first embodiment, the locking mechanism defines
a releasable interference fit/press fit/friction fit, or the like,
between the base 202 and the lid 210. For example and as best
understood with reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the locking mechanism
includes an elongate locking projection 222 that is integrally
formed on and extends across the outer surface of a front surface
of the lower front wall 204, elongate locking projections 225 that
are integrally formed on and extend across the outer surfaces of
the side flanges 223, 227, elongate locking projections 215 that
are integrally formed on and extend across the inner surfaces of
side walls 212, 214 of the lid 210, and an elongate locking
projection 221 that is integrally formed on and extends across the
inner surface of an arcuate top wall of the lid 210. The locking
projections 222, 225 are respectively engageable with the locking
projections 215, 221 when the lid 210 is closed. The lid 210 may be
releasably locked in the closed position by applying downward
pressure to the lid 210 until the locking projection 215, 221 are
respectively snap-fitted over the locking projections 222, 225. The
reclosable fitment 200 has a generally curvilinear domed shape but
could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without
departing from the disclosure.
The plurality of walls 203, 204, 205, 206 of the base 202 define a
rearwardly open mounting receptacle of the fitment 200, and the
rearwardly open mounting receptacle is for receiving the chamfered
corner of the carton 5. The walls 203, 204, 205, 206 extend around
a passageway that extends through the base 202, and the passageway
extends from the mounting receptacle to the front opening 213 of
the passageway.
Referring also to FIG. 4, the interior surfaces each of the lower
front wall 204, the upper wall 206 and the side walls 203, 205/side
flanges 223, 227 of the base 202 are cooperatively configured for
snuggly fitting over the erected mount assembly 300/obliquely
configured, front, upper chamfered corner of the carton 5, such
that there is at least somewhat (e.g., substantially) an
interference fit/press fit/friction fit, or the like, therebetween.
In addition, the base 202 of the fitment 200 may include mounting
features that seek to aid in the mounting of the base of the
fitment to the erected mount assembly 300/oblique chamfered corner
of the carton 5. More specifically and referring primarily to FIGS.
3A-3D, the interior surfaces of each of the side walls 203, 205 of
the base 202 may include a pair of spaced apart, elongate mounting
protrusions 209 that extend away from the opening 213 of the
fitment 200. The mounting protrusions are elongate in a direction
extending from the front opening 213 to the rear end/mounting
receptacle of the base 202.
The fitment 200 may be mounted to the chamfered corner of the
carton 5 by way of relative movement between the carton and the
fitment, such that the chamfered corner is received in the rearward
mounting receptacle of the fitment. For example, when the rearward
mounting receptacle of the base 202 of the fitment 200 is pushed
onto the erected mount assembly 300/obliquely configured, front,
upper, chamfered corner of the carton 5, the base continues to
slide farther onto the chamfered corner defined by the mount
assembly until the inner surfaces of both the lower and upper walls
204, 206 of the base 202 fully and snuggly abut the respective
portions of the carton 5 in a manner that arrests the relative
movement between the carton and the base of the fitment. At
substantially the same time as the arresting, the ends of the
mounting protrusions 209 that are closest to the opening 213
respectively move past and engage the edges of the mounting flaps
81, 88 that are farthest from the dispenser panel 36. The
respective engagement between these ends of the mounting
protrusions 209 and these edges of the mounting flaps 81, 88
restricts, or at least inhibits, the base 202 of the fitment 200
from being moved relative to (e.g., being pulled off of) the
chamfered corner of the carton 5 such that the base of the fitment
is substantially fixedly mounted onto the chamfered corner. For
each pair of mounting protrusions 209 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
mounting protrusions of the pair have different lengths that are
coordinated with the configuration of the rear edges of the
mounting flaps 81, 88 so the end of each of the mounting
protrusions engages behind the edge of the respective mounting
flap. One or more of the mounting protrusions 209 may be omitted
and/or differently configured mounting protrusions may be
utilized.
Alternatively or in addition, adhesive material may be positioned
between the base 202 of the fitment 200 and the chamfered corner of
the carton 5 for holding them together, and/or any other suitable
fastening mechanisms may be used between the base and the chamfered
corner of the carton 5. For example and in accordance with the
first embodiment, adhesive material in combination with the
interaction between the ends of the mounting protrusions 209 and
the edges of the mounting flaps 81, 88 fixedly connects the base
202 of the fitment 200 to the chamfered corner of the carton 5.
Alternatively, there may be any other suitable connection(s)
between the base 202 of the fitment 200 and the chamfered corner of
the carton 5, and these connection(s) may be releasable, such as if
it is desired to reuse the fitment 200 or separate it from the
carton for recycling purposes, or the like.
One example of a method of using carton 5 (FIG. 4) is described in
the following, in accordance with the first embodiment. A user
(e.g., consumer) may obtain the carton 5 with the base 202 of the
fitment 200 fixedly mounted to the chamfered corner/erected mount
assembly 300, and the lid 210 of the fitment 200 in its closed
configuration (e.g., see FIG. 4), in which the lid is firmly, yet
releasably, mounted to the of base 202 of the fitment by way of the
above-described releasable locking mechanism, or the like.
When the user desires to access contents within the bag, which is
formed by the liner 97 within the carton 5, the lid 210 of the
fitment 200 may be manually opened relative to the base 202 of the
fitment (e.g., see FIGS. 3A-3E), while the base remains fixedly
mounted to the chamfered corner/erected mount assembly 300 (e.g.,
see FIG. 4). For example, the lid 210 of the fitment 200 may be
opened by pulling upwardly on the tab 216 to respectively release
the locking projections 211, 215, 222, 225 of the lid 210 and base
202 from one another. The hinge 208 of the fitment 200 may be
biased to hold the lid 210 in its open position away from the base
202, so that the user has access to the carton's dispenser panel 36
by way of the fitment's opening 213.
Then, the portion of the liner 89 that obstructs the dispenser
opening 83 may be removed from dispenser opening 83. More
specifically and in accordance with the first embodiment, the user
may open the dispenser opening 83 by inserting a finger through the
portion of the liner 97 that extends across the dispenser opening
83 and is adjacent to the reinforcement 68, to initiate tearing
along the line of weakening 89. Then, the user may arrange the
inserted finger behind the reinforcement 68, and pull outwardly to
complete the tearing along the line of weakening 89 to remove the
reinforcement and the portion of the liner bound by the line of
weakening from the dispenser opening 83.
With the fitment's opening 83 and the dispenser opening 213 both
opened, contents of the bag within the carton 5 may be poured from
the bag/carton 5 by way of the openings 83, 213. After some of the
contents have been poured from the carton 5, the lid 210 of the
fitment 200 can be returned to its closed configuration (FIG. 4),
and the lid can be releasably retained in the closed configuration
by the locking projections 211, 215, 222, 225 of the lid 210 and
base 202, respectively, or the reclosable fitment 200 can have
other latching features. The contents of the carton 5 may include,
for example, dispensable foodstuffs, or nonfood products such as
detergent, powders, etc.
The fitment 200 may be reopened and closed numerous times, for
accessing the remainder of the contents of the carton 5. The
reclosable fitment 200 can be opened, reclosed, and reopened by
various other steps or methods other than those described herein.
Further, the steps of opening, reclosing, and reopening the fitment
described herein can be modified, changed, and/or omitted without
departing from the disclosure.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the carton 5 with a fitment 200' of a
second embodiment of this disclosure mounted thereto, with the
fitment in its closed and open configurations, respectively. The
second embodiment is like the first embodiment, except for
variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. For example,
the fitment 200' of the second embodiment does not include the side
flanges 223, 227 or releasable locking mechanisms (e.g., locking
projections 211, 215, 222, 225) of the fitment 200 of the first
embodiment. Rather, the releasable locking mechanism for releasably
securing the lid 210' of the fitment 200' of the second embodiment
in the closed configuration includes a catch member 224' that is
integrally formed with and protrudes outwardly from the outer
surface of the lower front wall 204' of the base 202' of the
fitment 200'. The catch member 224' defines a central slot for
releasably receiving the free edge of the tab 216' that protrudes
from the lid 210'. Alternatively or in addition, the fitment 200 of
the first embodiment may include the releasable locking mechanism
of the fitment 200' of the second embodiment, and vice versa, and a
variety of other releasable locking mechanisms are also within the
scope of this disclosure.
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a blank a blank 403 and carton 405 in
accordance with a third embodiment of this disclosure. The third
embodiment may be like the first and second embodiments, except for
variations noted and variations that will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure. Accordingly,
like or similar reference numbers and/or names may be used to
indicate like or similar features.
In accordance with the third embodiment, the blank 403 and carton
405 and/or fitment 200, 202' may include additional and/or
different mounting features that seek to aid in the mounting of the
fitment to the erected mount assembly 407/chamfered corner of the
carton 405. For example and in accordance with the third
embodiment, the first minor side panel 30 includes a mounting
feature that may be in the form of a disruption, such as a mounting
hole or slot 32, or other cut out or the like, for receiving a
corresponding mounting feature (e.g., mounting protrusion) that may
be formed integrally with and protrude inwardly from the inner
surface of the lower front wall 204, 204' of the fitment 200, 200'.
That is, a mounting protrusion that is shaped like and is smaller
than the mounting slot 32 may protrude inwardly from the inner
surface of the lower front wall 204, 204' of the fitment 200, 200'
for being received in the mounting slot, so that the mounting
protrusion is engaged to an edge of the slot for restricting the
fitment 200, 202' from being pulled off of the chamfered corner of
the carton 5. Alternatively or in addition, the first and second
embodiments may include the mounting features of the third
embodiment, and vice versa, and a variety of other mounting
features are also within the scope of this disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates a blank 503 in accordance with a fourth
embodiment of this disclosure. The fourth embodiment may be like
the first through third embodiments, except for variations noted
and variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art in view of this disclosure. Accordingly, like or similar
reference numbers and/or names may be used to indicate like or
similar features. A liner (not shown in FIG. 8, but see the liner
97 in FIGS. 1 and 6 for example) may optionally be mounted to the
blank 503 or any other of the blanks of this disclosure.
In accordance with the fourth embodiment, the mount assembly 507
has four web or pleat panels 508, 509, 510, 511. The pleat panel
508 is partially defined by the lateral fold line 31 and oblique
fold line 517. The pleat panel 509 is partially defined by lateral
fold line 11 and oblique fold line 519. The pleat panel 510 is
partially defined by the oblique fold line 517 and an oblique fold
line 521. The pleat panel 511 is partially defined by the oblique
fold line 519 and an oblique fold line 523. The pleat panel 508 is
foldably connected to the dispenser panel 36 by lateral fold line
31, and to pleat panel 510 by oblique fold line 517. The pleat
panel 509 is foldably connected to the dispenser panel 36 by
lateral fold line 11, and to pleat panel 511 by oblique fold line
519. The pleat panel 510 is foldably connected to the second major
side panel 50 by oblique fold line 521 and to pleat panel 508 by
oblique fold line 517. The pleat panel 511 is foldably connected to
the first major side panel 10 by oblique fold line 523, and to
pleat panel 509 by oblique fold line 519.
The mount assembly 507 of the fourth embodiment may be erected as
discussed above for the mount assembly 300 of the first embodiment,
except that as the dispenser panel 36 of the fourth embodiment is
folded inwardly about the fold line 33a, the pleat panels 508, 509,
510, 511 are folded outwardly and rearwardly, and the inwardly
oriented faces of the pleat panels 510, 511 are respectively
attached to (e.g., glued to or otherwise adhesively attached to, or
attached in any other suitable manner) to the outwardly oriented
faces of the side panels 50, 10, so that the pleat panels 508, 510
are in opposing face-to-face contact with one another, and the
pleat panels 509, 511 are in opposing face-to-face contact with one
another. Optionally, there may be adhesive material at these
face-to-face contacts between the pleat panels, or the like. The
combination of the foldably connected/rearward edges of the pleat
panels 508, 510 and the combination of the foldably
connected/rearward edges of the pleat panels 509, 511 are typically
for engaging the respective ends of the mounting protrusions 209
(FIGS. 3A and 3B).
The pleat panels 508, 510 may together be referred to as a pleat.
Similarly, the pleat panels 509, 511 may together be referred to as
a pleat. Differently configured pleats and pleat panels 508, 509,
510, 511 may be used. Alternatively, the first through third
embodiments may include the pleat panels 508, 509, 510, 511/mount
assembly 507 of the fourth embodiment, and vice versa, and a
variety of other pleat panels/mounting flaps/mount assemblies are
also within the scope of this disclosure.
In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, the dispenser
panel 36 comprises opposite edges, and there are one or more panels
(e.g., the side mounting flaps 81, 88 of FIG. 1 or the pleat panels
508, 509, 510, 511 of FIG. 8) respectively foldably connected to
the opposite edges of the dispenser panel; and the connecting of
the dispenser panel to each of the first and second major side
panels 10, 50 comprises connecting the one or more panels (e.g.,
the side mounting flaps 81, 88 of FIG. 1 or the pleat panels 508,
509, 510, 511 of FIG. 8) to outer surfaces of the first and second
major side panels, respectively.
FIG. 9 illustrates a blank 603 in accordance with a fifth
embodiment of this disclosure. The fifth embodiment may be like the
first through fourth embodiments, except for variations noted and
variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art in view of this disclosure. Accordingly, like or similar
reference numbers and/or names may be used to indicate like or
similar features.
In accordance with the fifth embodiment, the mount assembly 607 has
side mounting flaps 608, 610 and a top mounting flap 609 that are
respectively foldably connected to the dispenser panel 36 at fold
lines 33b, 33c, 87. The side and top mounting flaps 608, 610, 609
may be characterized as being wings, or wing-like flaps. The side
mounting flaps 608, 610 are respectively separated from the side
panels 10, 50 by cuts that are more specifically in the form of
oblique slits 611, 613. Alternatively, the first through fourth
embodiments may include side and top mounting flaps 608, 610,
609/the mount assembly 607 of the fifth embodiment, and vice versa,
and a variety of other mounting flaps/mount assemblies are also
within the scope of this disclosure.
FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate an example of a sequence for closing an
upper end of a carton 605 erected from the blank 603, in accordance
with the fifth embodiment. The mount assembly 607 is folded
inwardly about the fold line 33a so that the dispenser panel 36
abuts the oblique edges of the first and second major side panels
10, 50. Then, the mount assembly 607 is further erected by folding
the mounting flaps 608, 610, 609 inwardly relative to the dispenser
panel 36. As partially shown in FIG. 10C, the side mounting flaps
608, 610 extend downwardly below the oblique edges of the first and
second major side panels 10, 50, and the top mounting flap 609
extends rearwardly. The inwardly facing surfaces of the side
mounting flaps 608, 610 are typically fixedly connected to the
outwardly facing surfaces of the first and second major side panels
10, 50 with adhesive material or any other suitable mechanism.
Then, the closing of the top of the carton 5 is completed by
inwardly folding the top flap 76, and then inwardly folding the top
flaps 16, 56, so that these top flaps at least partially overlap
the top flap 76 and the top mounting flap 609. Adhesive material,
or any other suitable fastening mechanism, may be applied to secure
the top flaps 16, 56, 76 and the top mounting flap 609 in their
closed configuration. Other sequences of closing the upper end of
the carton 605 are also within the scope of this disclosure.
FIG. 11 illustrates a blank 703 in accordance with a sixth
embodiment of this disclosure. The sixth embodiment may be like the
fifth embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of
this disclosure. Accordingly, like or similar reference numbers
and/or names may be used to indicate like or similar features.
In accordance with the sixth embodiment, a liner 797 may be mounted
to the blank 703 as shown in FIG. 11. As should be apparent from
the foregoing, the liner 797 is optional and may be omitted. In
accordance with the sixth embodiment, the dispenser opening 783 is
round, although the dispenser opening may define a variety of
different shapes.
FIG. 12 illustrates a blank 803 in accordance with a seventh
embodiment of this disclosure. The seventh embodiment may be like
the first embodiment, except for variations noted and variations
that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view
of this disclosure. Accordingly, like or similar reference numbers
and/or names may be used to indicate like or similar features.
In accordance with the seventh embodiment, the dispenser opening
883 is substantially in the shape of a pentagon, although the
dispenser opening may define a variety of different shapes. Also in
accordance with the seventh embodiment, the side mounting flaps
881, 888 are respectively foldably connected to oblique edges of
the side panels 10, 50 by oblique fold lines 833, 834; and
separated from the dispenser panel 836 by cuts or slits 836, 838,
respectively.
Alternatively, the fitments 200, 200' may be omitted or replaced
with any other suitable type of fitments or pour spouts, such as
reclosable fitments and reclosable pour spouts, that may be mounted
to the chamfered corner/mount assembly 300, 407, 507, 607 at any
suitable time, such as before and/or after the respective blank is
erected. For example, the entire disclosure of each of the
following documents is incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,152,360; 5,429,297; 5,102,485 and 4,846,915; and U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2006/0255109. Also for example,
suitable polymeric reclosable fitments and/or polymeric reclosable
pour spouts may be available from Roberts PolyPro, Inc. of
Charlotte, N.C. 28273
The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example,
formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example,
the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with
a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with
product, advertising, price coding, and other information or
images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any
information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated
with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both
sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described
embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a
caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper.
The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as
cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties
suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as
described herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with
one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel
sections.
In accordance with the above-described embodiments, a fold line can
be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight,
form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More
specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the
present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as a
line formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates
a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of
weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the
desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend
partially into and/or completely through the material along the
desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these
features.
As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends
partially into the material along the desired line of weakness,
and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into
and/or completely through the material along the desired line of
weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more
specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series
of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material,
with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick
(e.g., a small, somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is
defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily
connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken
during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a
relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the
nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear
line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of
the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced
with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be
a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing
from the present disclosure.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the
present disclosure has been discussed above with reference to
exemplary embodiments, various additions, modifications and changes
can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present inventions. For example, the present inventions are not
intended to be limited to the specific examples described herein.
Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each
embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other
illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure. That
is, the above examples are in no way intended to limit the scope of
the present inventions. It will be understood by those skilled in
the art that while the present disclosure has been discussed above
with reference to exemplary embodiments, various additions,
modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing
from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the
claims.
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